Richie Edwards (L) and Ryan Broekhoff led the New Zealand and Australia squads, respectively, in scoring at the World University Games. (L: Courtesy Hillsborough C.C.; R: Ray Acevedo)

Broekhoff, Edwards Lead Squads in Scoring at World University Games

Monday, August 22, 2011

Juniors Ryan Broekhoff (Frankston, Victoria, Australia/Australian Institute of Sport) and Richie Edwards (Lakeland, Fla./Lakeland [Hillsborough C.C.]) led the Australia and New Zealand teams, respectively, in scoring as men’s basketball competition concluded Monday at the 26th World University Games in Shenzhen, China.

Broekhoff tied for team-high scoring honors for Australia, averaging 10.9 points per game. The junior also ranked third on the squad in rebounding (4.3 rpg), tied for second on the team with 10 assists and also tallied 10 steals over the course of the tournament. Broekhoff scored in double figures on five occasions, including a personal-best 19 points in a win over Hong Kong, and ripped down at least five rebounds in each of Australia’s last four games, led by an eight-rebound effort against Israel.

Edwards paced the New Zealand squad and ranked third overall among all tournament players with an average of 20.1 points per game. The incoming junior also pulled down five rebounds per contest, second-best on the team. Edwards scored in double figures six times, including five games with at least 20 points, highlighted by a 31-point, nine-rebound performance versus Japan. He also picked up a double-double in a win over the Philippines, recording 24 points and 10 rebounds.